Survive in Azure Files

"At least finish these before you leave. I can't handle so much by myself. For an excellent ninja, it is shameful to waste precious food."

"Well, that's true."

"Similarly, for ninjas, they should chew their food slowly and thoroughly so that they can fully absorb the nutrients in the food."

Izuna nodded and sat back in her seat obediently, saying with emotion: "How amazing... You even pay attention to details like this... The teacher is really like a legendary ninja..."

It's just some superficial truths that are forcibly connected with ninjas.

"Izuna, for a ninja, the so-called Ninja Way is not such a simple existence."

I sighed, looked at the little fox who was listening attentively to my teachings, and said, "It seems that you are still confused. It doesn't matter. In this case, then listen to my ninja way first."

Chapter 65: Izunai has been wandering for half her life...

Inside the Japanese confectionery shop, the fox-eared girl and I sat opposite each other at a low table.

I deliberately acted mysterious, while Izuna had a cute and silly expression.

"Teacher's Ninja Way? But the teacher is not..." Izumi was confused at first, then he thought of something and said in surprise, "Ah! Could it be that the teacher is really a ninja!"

"Hehe, how can a ninja be such an inconvenient thing?"

I smiled and said, "In this era when ninjas are extinct, as long as you stick to your own ninja way and keep moving forward, no matter what your identity is, whether you are a student, a teacher, or even an ordinary resident, aren't you a real ninja?"

Izuna nodded, not quite understanding: "Yeah, I understand... In other words, the teacher is indeed a very powerful ninja, right?"

“Although it can’t be called amazing, it’s roughly like this.”

At least I was able to suppress my guilt and fool the innocent and lovely Izuna without changing my expression. I think this is a ninja-level quality.

"So then, what is the Sensei's Ninja Way?"

Izuna looked at me expectantly, and her big tail gently patted the tatami next to her, attracting a lot of attention.

"Before that, Izuna, you should know the definition of Ninja Way, right?"

Izuna raised her hand and answered enthusiastically, "Yes! Izuna knows that the so-called Ninja Way is the most fundamental existence of a ninja!"

"Yes."

I nodded in approval. "That is to say, the way of the ninja is what a ninja pursues. Practicing justice in one's heart, increasing one's own strength, or even simply seeking wealth and status can all be considered the way of the ninja."

Although my understanding of ninjas all comes from the information I found and roughly read on the Internet when I received the commission from Izumi, it does not prevent me from making interpretations based on this superficial understanding and combined with my own concepts.

As long as I make it sound serious, it will be enough to convince Izuna.

"Even for personal gain...? Ugh... Although, although I don't want to admit it, there are indeed such groups among ninjas... So, Sensei, what exactly is your ninja way?"

After muttering a few unwilling words, Izuna couldn't wait to ask the question that concerned her most at the moment.

As for me, I took a deep breath, looked solemn, and said word by word:

"Protecting important people is my way of ninja."

If you equate ninjutsu with pursuit as I just said, then my words can be said to be completely true.

"Protect the important people..." Izuna murmured repeatedly, his eyes gradually twinkling like stars, "So handsome! Sensei is indeed a super great ninja! Izuna also wants to learn from you!"

I didn't comment on Izuna's praise, but I thought that I was getting closer and closer to my first goal.

"Hmm! Hmm! Izuna understands!"

Izuna said to me with high morale: "Izuna's ninjutsu is the same as the teacher's! Izuna must practice hard and protect the lord to whom Izuna will be loyal in the future!"

That means I'm right, right?

After thinking about it, it can only be me.

But it's not the right time yet. I do want to establish a closer relationship with Izuna, but it's not close to this extent yet.

"It seems that my feeling was not wrong."

I sighed with emotion and said to the doubtful Quannai in a gentle voice: "Quannai, are you willing to become my disciple?"

"…Eh? Disciple?"

"That's right. Not only do you accept my assistance in training ninjutsu, but you also accept my inheritance in practicing ninjutsu."

By establishing a more personal mentor-apprentice relationship that is different from that of ordinary teachers and students, I will be able to legitimately and subtly indoctrinate Izumi, remove the influence of her employer, and lead her back to the right path after being deceived.

Izuna was startled at first, frowning slightly, then suddenly realized and opened his eyes wide: "Ah! Izuna has seen such a plot on a TV series!"

"TV drama?"

The little fox narrated excitedly: "The legendary ninja set many tests to accept a satisfactory disciple, but in the end, the only one who passed was the protagonist who was not favored by others and was ridiculed for not being able to become a ninja. Only the protagonist had an indomitable will... How amazing! Now the situation is exactly the same as in the TV series!"

...So how did she learn about ninjas? There must be some degree of artistic processing in TV and comics, right?

I complained in my mind and said kindly, "So, Izuna, are you willing to be my disciple?"

Izuna's excitement was instantly suppressed, and he was hesitant: "Oh, but, but, after the teacher's guidance, Izuna has realized that I am still very immature in the aspect of ninja..."

"Don't underestimate yourself, Izuna. You've passed the test I set, just like in the TV show."

I cleared my throat. “Expressing concern as soon as you knocked me down is kindness;

"He who turned back to save me when faced with pursuers was righteousness;

“I have always been polite to my arrogant attitude.

“It is wisdom to easily discover the fact that I am not injured;

"To stick to your dream of becoming the best ninja and never waver is faith."

Although some of the content is a bit far-fetched, especially when arguing about wisdom, I really can't find any other examples.

I sincerely said to Izunai: "You have passed all the tests perfectly, Izunai. You are exactly the disciple I have always dreamed of!"

"teacher……"

Izuna was so moved that tears welled up in her eyes: "No, Master!"

Using the new name, Izunai lowered his head and said sincerely: "I have been wandering for half my life, and I only regret that I have never met a wise master. If you don't abandon me, I am willing to be your master!"

...Why do I always feel that this line is full of ominous meaning?

"Master, please have some tea! Be patient!"

I was about to tell Izuna to stop with the formalities when she held up her half-finished drink with both hands and handed it to me respectfully.

So the words that were about to come out of my mouth were swallowed back again.

I didn't mean anything else. I just suddenly thought that this was Izuna's intention after all. If I rejected her rashly, she would be so embarrassed.

I took the cup, turned it slightly, aimed it at the wet part of the rim, and drank the drink in one gulp.

Perhaps because it is a specialty of the Sakura Festival, this drink feels like it has a special sweetness.

Izunai finally noticed the problem and her pretty face blushed, but seeing that I was just licking the corner of my mouth with unsatisfied feeling and acting as if I didn't care, she didn't dare to say anything.

"Well, let's stop here for today."

"Eh? Is it over so soon?"

"More haste, less speed." I told her the truth and reminded her, "Besides, Izuna, you still have a commission from your employer to complete, right?"

"Yeah, that's right... Then I have to eat the remaining snacks quickly... But I have to chew them slowly, I can't hurry..."

Izuna really listened to what I said before, which touched me a little.

But just when the cute little fox was in a dilemma, I calmly waved and called out, "Waiter, pack it up."

Izuna blinked, confused and surprised: "Eh? Eh?! Packing?!"

I asked curiously, "Since you are in a hurry, you can pack up the food if you can't finish it. What's wrong?"

"No, ah, but you just now..."

Izuna fell into confusion and became somewhat incoherent, but then he grasped the key points from his complicated thoughts:

"Could it be that the master was lying to me just now?"

"How can it be called cheating? I just selectively ignored the other options."

It is really worrying that the little fox could be fooled so easily.

Izuna cried out in pain, "Wu——Master, how could you be like this!"

After joking, I put on a serious expression and said to the little fox with a flat mouth: "Izuna, this is the first lesson I want to teach you as a master. Don't blindly believe what others say, no matter who they are."

I pointed at my chest and smiled faintly at Izuna who seemed to be thinking about something:

“So, after listening, remember to use your heart to judge. Only in this way can you come up with the correct answer that belongs to you.”

“… Okay, I understand.”

Having said that, looking at Izuna's confused expression, I think she still has a long way to go before she truly understands what I mean.

After stuffing all the packed snacks to Izuna and agreeing with her on a meeting place for tomorrow, we said goodbye at the door of the store.

Chapter 66: Shizuko Must Have a Crush on Me

What kind of existence is Baiyetang?

The robot in a suit said, "Speaking of Hyakuya-do, it must be that famous coffee shop."

A corgi with a briefcase passed by and said: "The strawberry jelly at Baiyetang is the best."

The kimono-clad Shiba Inu interrupted, "Although there are a variety of delicious foods, the best thing is..."

The three passers-by smiled at the same time and said in unison:

"Shizuko Tan's adorable smile!"

...What a reaction.

I twitched my lips, thanked her hastily and left. I just wanted to ask for directions, but I heard this almost every time. It seemed that Shizuko was quite popular in the neighborhood.

This is only natural. Although Shizuka and I have never met each other, she is also an important and lovely student of mine!

With my expectations growing stronger from what I heard from others, I finally arrived at Baiye Hall.

As soon as I entered the door, a beautiful girl with blonde hair, blue eyes, and wearing a red and black kimono came forward with a stern face, bowed ninety degrees on the spot, and greeted loudly and respectfully:

"Boss! Welcome! Ever since I heard that you took time out of your busy schedule to come here, I, Fina, have been eagerly awaiting your arrival!"

What a unique way to welcome someone.

I was so scared that I subconsciously took half a step back.

Before I could organize my words to reply, another cute girl wearing a combination of a kimono and a maid outfit came running over in a panic, "Wait, Fina! The teacher will be troubled by you!"

"Hey, but..." The blonde girl named Fina straightened up and said with embarrassment, "We should welcome the teacher in a way that will surprise him. Isn't that what you just said, Chairman?"

My expression became a little strange.

I was indeed shocked, but how could a teacher like me, Xia Lai, become the leader of the Xia Lai group?

So when can I run rampant in Kivotos and bully women?

"No, no, no, I'm talking about the first impression you should make as a waiter at Baiyetang!"

The cute girl called "Chairman" closed her eyes, as if she was lost in fantasy: "I must give the teacher a cute first impression, so that the teacher's favorability reaches MAX from the beginning...丩"

What? You want my favor so much?

I have reason to believe that this girl in maid costume might have a crush on me.

Although the card did not respond, inanimate objects are inanimate objects after all, and it is normal for bugs to occur.

I greeted her enthusiastically, "Hello, you must be Shizuko, right? You're just as cute as the rumors say. And Fina, too."

Fina bowed solemnly again: "I am honored to receive your praise, Chief!"

So who is the leader?

I couldn't help but complain in my mind, imitating Lin-chan's tone.

In stark contrast, Shizuko was caught off guard by my sudden attack and stammered, "Hey, ah, um, thank you for the compliment... ah, no! Do it again!"